T5HO options

[conwayscience]

Hey guys,

 

First off I'm pricing out a 6 bulb 48' T5HO setup. I believe Bulkreefsupply.com is selling TEK for $320. Not terrible. On the other hand I found a website that sells industrial grade warehouse lighting (for workspace rather than aquariums.) It says that it offers a high grade reflecter in the fixture and what not. The price for the fixture is only $130. I've been trying to decide if this is a decent option. I just want my tank to have the option to grow hard and soft corals. Thoughts?

 

http://www.warehouse-lighting.com/item/114387/120-Volt-White-Reflectors-6-T5HOs-Light-6-Lamp-T5HO-Lighting-Fixture.aspx

 

Craig

[Coral Hind]

That fixture would work just fine. The reflectors are white enamel and not the polished metal like some higher end hobby reflectors. There will be a slight loss of reflected output.

 

Do you have a hood or are you going open top?

 

If you wanted to do a DIY project you could build one close to that price and use the mirrored reflectors.

[conwayscience]

Don't own anything yet. Still in R&D mode, waiting for an affordable opportunity to present itself.

[Happyfeet]

Don't own anything yet. Still in R&D mode, waiting for an affordable opportunity to present itself.

 

If its a new build I'd look into LED's see if that would be something your interested in. People have been getting some good results using them and the cost over time is much lower.

[zygote2k]

If its a new build I'd look into LED's see if that would be something your interested in. People have been getting some good results using them and the cost over time is much lower.

+1 on LED's. If you spend $100 on a fixture, you'll still need 4 bulbs which will cost you $20-40 each. You'll replace them in 10 months. Buy 4 PAR38's one time and you're done with the lighting end of the project.

[Coral Hind]

I for one still do not like the direct spotlight look I have seen on LED lighted tanks. T5s are still a good choice for diffused lighting that covers more area on the coral then just the tops. The bulbs do not need to be replaced in 10 months as you stated, more like 12 to 24 months depending on photo-period. The prices of T5s have come down, I recently ordered some 54w bulbs for less the $15 each from Foster & Smith.

 

Saying that you are done just because you buy LED's now is not a proven statement. I think more evaluation time and research is needed before that claim can be made.

 

Having a multiple tube T5 fixture allows you to mix and match different bulbs to get the right color combination you desire.

 

 

[conwayscience]

I've actually been curious about LEDs, they also sound like they may cut down on power comsumption. They also seem to give a better "glow" effect from the tank. However The LED tanks I've seen seem 'dark' and I wasn't sure if they'd be able to sustain coral. The major reason I haven't considered them though is the websites I have browsed don't seem to carry LEDs for anything other than 'moonlight' effect. Haven't seen a primary LED daylight system. Do you have a recommendation on a web distributor?

 

Thanks for the input guys

[trockafella]

Look at AI led systems, maxspect, exotic, and many others out there... Tons of options and variety of prices, only the PAR38's are spotlights, the others are regular fixtures... But they are fairly expensive.. Also what size tank are you thinking of getting and what are you trying to stock for corals..?

[conwayscience]

Look at AI led systems, maxspect, exotic, and many others out there... Tons of options and variety of prices, only the PAR38's are spotlights, the others are regular fixtures... But they are fairly expensive.. Also what size tank are you thinking of getting and what are you trying to stock for corals..?

 

Need a lighting system for a 90 gallon. and I'm working on a pretty tight budget. Can't say what I'm gonna end up with for corals, Its probably going to depend on what I encounter. I'm planning on stocking 100% from other hobbiest tanks rather than pet stores. I do know however that I want a mixture of soft and hard. corals. Also I'd like the option in the future to possibly keep a photosynthetic clam/sea slug.